Overcoming the Odds.

Chapter 8

Chapter 8: Trouble

Four months have passed since their first day spent together, and each passing day brought a stronger bond the two would never have anticipated.

Every chance Naruto got he would meet with the redheaded girl and spend a portion of his time with her. They did whatever they wanted: talk about their past, their future, their teams, foods they like, books they've read, jutsu, Orochimaru's experiments, fears, likes, dislikes... Nothing was off limits to the two who managed to get over their differences.

This boy was her best and only friend, and it terrified her to no end imagining her current state without him. She would surely have gone mad by now.

Naruto felt the same, Karin was his best friend now. Gone was the pink haired girl he used to consider, now replaced with someone who actually enjoyed his companionship and presence and didn't hit or scold him like she did. And, after much persuasion from Karin, he realized his interest in Sakura wasn't a good one.

"No matter how hard you try to earn her interest, she won't consider you. All she sees is Sasuke. Trust me, I used to be the exact same way with that piece of shit." Naruto recalled her words.

He was brought out of his thoughts and back to reality when he received a pinch on the arm from the girl in front of him. He looked at her inquisitively. "What?"

"I said why haven't I seen you around lately? It feels like it's been forever since I've seen you," Karin said to him with concern on her face.

Naruto gave an apologetic smile. "Sorry, I had a mission remember? Things just get in the way sometimes y'know?"

She smiled in return and played with her hair. "Yeah... I know. I get it. Sometimes you get busy."

He was busy, that was the truth. However, what he was busy with served to conjure up a great deal of distress inside of him.

He found himself daydreaming again, and he thought back to the troubling event that transpired just hours ago in a dumpling restaurant.

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Sakura couldn't remember the last time she and Naruto went out to eat together, or the last time he complimented her, or since he'd asked her out. In short, it had been a while since she and Naruto basically did anything together. He just sort of dropped any and all attempts to woo her, and it bugged her to no end for a reason she couldn't really explain. As a result of his weird and sudden behavior, she needed answers from the boy himself for why he was acting so strange. So, she hatched a plan.

Enter Naruto Shippuden Ost - Early Summer Rain

While he was on his way home after their week-long mission, Sakura came out of nowhere and snatched Naruto by the hand and dragged him through town despite his confused protests.

Naruto had no idea what she wanted or why she was doing this, but he sure was irritated that she interrupted his plans to go to the prison to see his friend after a long departure.

She pulled him along the crowded streets and numerous vendors and stalls, but eventually they came across a dumpling place where Sakura abruptly stopped the both of them.

"Here it is," Sakura said, then she pushed through the doors with her captive in tow.

"Why are we here again?" Naruto asked in confusion while scratching his head.

There were numerous other people in the restaurant, many going about their business with other friends or colleagues. Sakura brought them to a rectangular wooden table where she proceeded to let go of him and sit down.